The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
